The Vietnam People’s Navy and the Royal Cambodian Navy have concluded their 83rd joint maritime patrol to secure the historic waters shared by both neighbouring nations, according to military officials.
Brigade 127 Ship 251 from the Vietnam People’s Navy returned to the Naval Region 5 military port on June 13 after completing the bilateral mission alongside Ream Naval Base Ship 1141 from the Royal Cambodian Navy. The operational phase of the deployment occurred on June 12.
During the voyage, crew members executed the standard “Hello ASEAN” naval greeting protocol, exchanged critical operational data, and trained in visual communications. Sailors visualised signals using hand flags and lights under the International Code of Signals.
The deployment also featured a joint search-and-rescue exercise designed to build practical emergency response capacity. This regular communication mechanism aims to protect local fishing livelihoods, suppress transnational maritime crime, and prevent illegal fishing.
Bilateral defence cooperation agreements govern these routine operations, which have sustained regional peace for decades. Recent deployments have focused on improving tactical communication and harmonising international signalling procedures between the two forces.
Naval commanders heavily emphasised how effectively this mechanism mitigates maritime friction during the 35th joint patrol review conference. At that event, leadership praised the framework for building mutual strategic trust and friendship between the armed forces.
This latest deployment underscores the enduring commitment of both governments to maintain a peaceful maritime environment. Observers note that regular patrols remain critical for regional stability as commercial shipping volumes continue to rise across Southeast Asian sea lanes.VOV
